Chapter 16, Problem 60AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Ionization constant for $\text{HOCl}$, ${\text{HC}}_3{\text{H}}_5{\text{O}}_2$ and $\text{HCN}$ has to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

Consider ionization of a weak acid $\text{HA}$ that is in equilibrium with its ions and is as follows:

  $\text{HA}\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{A}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

The equilibrium constant for ionization of weak acid is called ionization constant $K_a$ and is expressed as follows:

  $K_a=\frac{\left[{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\right]\left[{\text{A}}^{-}\right]}{\left[\text{HA}\right]}$

$K_a$ is defined as the ratio of concentration of products to concentration of reactants.